Explosion at Wellington meatworks

An explosion at the Taylor Preston meatworks in Wellington this lunchtime is described as 'signficant'. Photo / Brendan Manning

Part of a Wellington meatworks was evacuated this afternoon after a "significant explosion'' in the rendering plant.

Fire Service incident officer Steve Mackle no one was hurt in the blast at the Taylor Preston meatworks on Ngauranga Gorge about 12.30pm, although the force of the explosion bent two roller doors.

Firefighters were investigating what caused the blast.

"At this stage there's still a small fire burning in the corner. We're extinguishing as we go, checking out and making sure the place is safe, and once it's safe to do we'll try and find out what caused it. At this stage we don't know,'' Mr Mackle said.

Witness Emjay Dette said she didn't hear a bang but saw ``big puffs of smoke'' billowing out of the building.